April 7, 2008

The truth is that we've been waiting for this day for over a year. Ever since we met Artillery Joe Skach at the JLC show way back in 2007 and he expressed interest in having us review his pry bar, we've been sitting on our hands in anticipation. It sounds like he's had a hell of a time getting the multi-part system produced, but now he's got them to sell and he sent one on to us.

At each of the last two JLC shows we've gotten a good look at the Artillery System and it sure seems impressive. Their website has video that shows it absolutely demolishing everything it goes near (at the 4:00 minute mark, watch what how easily it takes up decking). It essentially looks like it takes controlled destruction to a whole new level. And starting today, we're going to start wrecking things. Stay tuned for the review.

March 18, 2008

A while ago, we told you about the Rapid Edge Utility Knife, a cool little knife with an LED at the blade end. Well, it looks like Rapid Tools is still working on innovating the utility knife because they've just released the new Rapid Shark, a combination utility knife and a wire stripper. This is a good thing. Just ask anyone who has been in a rush and has decided to strip a wire with a razor knife. It's a dumb idea; we've done it and regretted it.

With the Rapid Shark, it should no longer even be a temptation. The Shark has extra blade storage, a quick change blade system, and the capability to strip any wire between 10 and 18 AWG.

We have no idea what this knife is going to cost, but we suspect it's somewhere in the $10 range.

March 11, 2008

We saw one of these at the local hardware store the other day and thought it was an interesting idea and worth passing on. Victorinox, maker of the Swiss Army Knife, has adapted their multi-tool functionality to something the size of a credit card. The Swisscard Lite comes in a couple colors, each with different tools.

March 6, 2008

We just noticed that some of C.H Hanson's tools are now being sold at Amazon. Previously, the only place we could find them was at C.H. Hanson Direct, but now, not only does Amazon stock them, but they've got them at great prices too. The $80 something Pivot Square is now in the $50 range!

C.H. Hanson has recently added another tool to their impressive Signature Series. This time it's the Chalk Hog 100, a high-powered chalk line loaded with features.

First, the Chalk Hog is equipped with a poly-braided line that not only leaves a clean marking line, but it is also stronger than the traditional line. Second, at the end of the line is something that C.H. Hanson refers to as the End-Mate, which is some sort of reinforced hook that can grip an edge even when being used at an angle.

Third, the Chalk Hog can be filled and used like any normal chalk line, or, if you're looking at a full day of marking and layout, you have the option of screwing the chalk bottle directly to the Hog. And finally, there's also an on board pencil sharpener.

We've been very impressed with C.H. Hanson's other layout and marking tools, particularly the Pivot Square and the Slide Square, so we'd wager that this is another winner and that it is easily worth the $15-$20 that it costs.

March 5, 2008

Spring is almost here, even up here in the Northeast, and it's time to start replacing all the gardening tools that you left out all winter. Courtesy of Leatherman, you can do this with one single purchase. Their Hybrid Gardening Multitool looks like a winner for any yard worker.

The tool is constructed like any other Leatherman, with the whole thing folding up into a pocket sized unit. Because of the nature of it, it's a bit larger than their regular models, but only by 3/4".

February 19, 2008

We've been on the lookout for a molding scraper since we recently started a door restoration project. Now that most of the paint is scraped, it's time to bite the bullet and go out and get one. After doing some research, we're pretty sure we're going to go with this nice little set. It comes with a handle, a wrench for blade changing, and three different blades, each capable of handling different profiles.

There might be better ones out there but this one is very similar to one that we used to have and that one worked great. It's also only $17, so that's good too. If anyone out there knows of a better one, drop a line and let us know.

February 18, 2008

There's a technique to hauling around sheet goods; a particular way to pop the back up in order to get a hand under it, and, in the same move to grab the top and get into the standing position. From this point on it's all hand pain, back strain, and muscle aches. In other words, there's really no easy way to do it. Or so we thought before we got a look at the Gorilla Gripper.

The Gorilla Gripper, made by a company called Landon Innovations, LLC, is essentially a portable handle for sheet goods. From the looks of it, you just snap it on the plywood, drywall, Durock, or whatever and there you have it. The Gripper can handle anything from 3/8' to 2-3/4' thick, but it doesn't look like it can do multiple sheets at a time.

Read past the fold if you're interested in checking out the Gorilla Gripper ad. If you're the type who enjoys watching a hot chick in Daisy Dukes (and we are), you'll probably like it.

February 4, 2008

According to Garret Wade, there used to be a saying, "All you needed was a #1 Odd Job, a hammer and a saw, and you could build anything." And from the looks of this old time layout tool, it's probably correct. This multi-tool has a lot going for it; an inside miter, a try square, an arc scribing tool, a t-square, a depth marking scribe, and more. It's made of brass and steel and has very cool look to it.

The Odd-Job comes with a 6" ruler and costs $35 (now on sale for $27). If you want it with a 12" ruler, it'll set you back $45 (sale price $36). Or you can just pick up the 12" ruler in addition to the tool for $13.

They were apparently manufactured from the late 1880's to the early 1930's. It all makes you wonder why they fell out of style.

January 31, 2008

With the resources that are out there, homeowners are taking on more and more complex projects and are thus starting to use the tools that the pros use. With this move happening, it's no shock that Ryobi is on the leading edge of providing an affordable laser level to the general public. We recently tried out their AIRgrip Self-Leveling Laser and here's what we found.

First, a bit of general information on the tool. The laser itself projects from a little pendulum that hangs inside of the tool housing. The housing itself can rotate 360 degrees around, meaning that the level can be set in one corner of the room and even if the laser isn't projecting all around the room, one twist of a knob can move it. There is also a knob to move the housing up and down with about an inch of play here, so you can get the level all set up and you can still adjust some to get it to the desired height.

jeff_williams: What a beauty! read moreDan: Bear Grylls? That's funny - he spends his nights in read moreBJ Nicholls: If you're not set on battery power, Costco has been read moreGary Castens : Ok the iron I have is about 30 years old read moreKevin: yeah Doug, we're both New Englanders, I'm bout 3 hours read more